The Haven is dedicated to helping people build richer relationships with others and themselves. At The Haven we see ourselves as an ‘engage center’ rather than a ‘retreat center’. By meeting face-to-face, people explore their desire for deeper connection in all relationships: with friends, partners, colleagues, neighbors, family members, and themselves.
Through our facilitated group process, participants begin a journey of relational discovery through direct experience. By experimenting with new ways of being and stepping forward with curiosity for themselves and others, people learn to shape their own lives and have richer relationships.
Our innovative curriculum was created by The Haven’s co-founders Dr Bennet Wong and Dr Jock McKeen. It has been developed and practiced for over 30 years, integrating multiple east/west disciplines which include wisdom from medical science, psychotherapy, existential thought, and eastern philosophy. Our diversity of offerings reflects the people that come to learn—individuals, couples, business leaders, elders, teens, and children. Common to all of them is a willingness to risk being vulnerable and curious, and a desire for richer connections.
Our highly skilled faculty embody and model what they teach in a very personal way. They are the first to be open, vulnerable and honest. Most have been long-time students of The Haven curriculum and integrate a wide range of life experiences and professional expertise into their teaching.
The Haven is a registered not-for-profit, charitable organization. Located on beautiful Gabriola Island, BC Canada, our vibrant centre offers both ocean-side serenity and living forest—a natural environment that supports the exploration of our innermost emotions. After a transformational learning experience, people leave The Haven with the skills to live self-responsibly and relationally.